Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Robson both want Quaresma

The 20-year-old star has been a United target since the arrival at Old Trafford of assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, a former Sporting Lisbon coach.

But Newcastle hope that Sir Bobby Robson's close links with Lisbon will tip the balance in their favour, along with the presence at St James' Park of Quaresma's Portuguese team-mate Hugo Vaiana.

Quaresma inspired Portugal's Under-21s to a 4-2 win over their England counterparts last week.

Match report: Portugal U21 4-2 England

The striker is rated at �10m by Lisbon and Newcastle and Manchester United will face fierce competition for his signing from the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus.

Several European managers and scouts, including Robson, were in Rio Major last week to witness Quaresma's starring role.

But the player was reluctant to discuss his future, despite being made aware of the interest from England.

"No discussions have taken place yet and it is difficult for me to talk about my club situation while I am playing for my country," he said.